Asa Bird Gardiner, his subject being “The Battle of Rhode Island.” 1902. Aug. 29. Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, president of the United States, wrote as follows to Secretary T. H. Murray, relative to the Society’s celebration on this date: “Oyster Bay, N. Y., August 19, 1902. My Dear Mr. Murray: I warmly appreciate the cordial invitation which you extend on behalf of the American-Irish Historical Society to attend its anniversary celebration to be held at the Narragansett Hotel, Providence, R. I., on the evening of Friday, August 29th. It would afford me genuine pleasure to be present on this occasion and I deeply regret that the itinerary of the New England trip does not contemplate my being in Providence on the evening mentioned. Otherwise I should be most happy to send an acceptance. Accept my best wishes for the complete success of the meeting, and believe me, Very sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt.” 1902. Aug. 29. In connection with the Society’s celebration on this date, the following letter was written by Dr. John Sullivan, of Boston, a descendant of Gen. John Sullivan: “Your very kind invitation to attend your banquet on the 29th inst., received. Please accept for the Society my regrets, not being able, physically, to attend such a jolly gathering of the true old Irish stock. I can no longer keep up with the band. If I keep from under the wheels of the ambulance, I will do well. Four years at the front will give any man a reminder that he’s ‘been there’ and he must be thankful that he got it no worse. On the evening of your banquet I shall remain up, and at the hour of 9 o’clock will drink to the memory of the Irishmen in the American Revolution. My best wishes for your Society, and your invited guests, go with this from one who has the honor to be your obedient servant, John Sullivan.” Dr. Sullivan is a member of the Order of the Cincinnati, and was an army surgeon during the Civil War.